Best of 2010

WOW incredible year for music, huh? It certainly took me longer than ever to craft this year’s list, which is a testament to the true artistry that occurred in 2010. For me, 2010 will be memorable not only for the outstanding tunes that filled my ears, but personal benchmarks that came my way. I have had a very fortunate, blessed and downright lucky year and for that I am most grateful. Maybe that is why this year’s list was tricky. As I’m sure you can relate to – when compiling and listening to all of these songs and/or albums I was taken back to memories that will not soon be forgotten and the friends/loved ones I got to experience those moments with. I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention a few standouts: SXSW w/ Lindsey, Cory and new friends Peter and Carmine, LCD Soundsystem/Hot Chip @ the Bowl with too many people to list, two nights of Arcade Fire @ the Shrine, thoughtful music discussions at Thursday night Pho with various musical laureates, the United States rallying behind the US Mens Soccer team for the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, my first year of blog writing, the whole month of “Rocktober” in general and of course, my engagement (which, if I had my druthers - would have been rolled into that wonderful SXSW trip in Austin).

What a powerful medium music is.

I feel as a whole, we experienced a very transitional year in these here United States. Things seem to be looking up but I sense an undercurrent of restlessness (rightfully so). Lucky for us (as with last year), I feel the arts (Music, Film, Television, Books, Food, Fashion etc.) are responding in a favorable manor; which truly benefits the audience. Pushing boundaries and reinventing models that are more effective, efficient and creative. And, one could only assume (or hope) that these transformative approaches to artistic expression will only become more revolutionary as we inch our way into this young decade.

I look forward to the New Year ahead; as we'll see releases from Radiohead, Fleet Foxes, the Strokes and countless others who hope to put their stamp on the new decade.

I hope you enjoy the below list of music as much as I do and I will have truly done my job if some memories are sparked (and/or formed) when taking a listen. A sincere thank you is in order for your friendship, humor, kind heart, support and love.

As always, please provide recommendations and lists all your own.

Happy Holidays and a wonderful New Year to you and yours,

T-Hale.

Top 10 Songs of 2010

(There are some issues with blogger/mp3 stuff - trying to fix it so you can stream the tracks again)

10) The Radio Dept. – Heaven’s On Fire
9) Tame Impala – Alter Ego
8) The National - Lemonworld
7) Jónsi – Go Do
6) Deerhunter – Desire Lines
5) Arcade Fire – Sprawl II (Mountains Beyond Mountains)
4) Menomena - Killemall
3) Beach House – Norway
2) LCD Soundsystem – Dance Yrself Clean
1) Broken Social Scene – All to All

Best Albums of 2010

10) The Morning Benders – Big Echo



9) The Radio Dept. – Clinging to a Scheme



8) The Black Keys – Brothers



7) LCD Soundsystem - This is Happening



6) Broken Social Scene – Forgiveness Rock Record



5) Beach House – Teen Dream



4) Tame Impala – Innerspeaker



3) Arcade Fire – The Suburbs



2) Deerhunter – Halcyon Digest



1) The National – High Violet



Honorable Mentions:

- Menomena - Mines
- Local Natives – Gorilla Manor
*Should be noted that this album was in heavy rotation in ’09 and would probably be a top 10 inclusion were it not for me overplaying the last couple years.
- Belle and Sebastian – Write About Love
- Wild Nothing - Gemini
- Spoon – Transference
- Jónsi – Go
- Kanye West – My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy
- MGMT – Congratulations
- The Walkmen - Lisbon
- Delorean – Subiza
- Sufjan Steven – The Age of Adz
- Girls – Broken Dreams Club EP